The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-02-26
MOTHERS FORT.

Bother the old thingl wish there
wasn't a school book in the world!'
Smith BROMLEY said; and he tossed his
algebra into the corner Of the room. HIS
mother looked sad, but she said pleas
antly, "That would be very hard for
those who love to study and learn about
the wonderful and interesting things IN
the world. Why, it was only yesterday
that I read in missionary paper how
much they needed school books for some
of their poor children, who we're eager to
learn
"All right; they can have them for all
I care, but don't want them! I'd like
to lombard every one, and send them
flying to those that enjoy them!" TWAS
not respectful to speak SO in reply to bis
mother, and Smith knew it; but the sad
dest thing was to see how quickly
Younger brother followed the naughty
example.
There's jolly snow now; we might
make fort, and lombard the lesson
books" said Arthur.
Smith smiled The idea pleased him.
Every fellow in the class will want one
shot, Tn sure of that"
what I want you to do now, my SOD, is
to pick up your book and go on with your
studying" said mother. And the tone of
her voice made her big boy feel ashamed.
She took Arthur in another room.
So nothing more was said about forts
until recess time; then one was begun in
the vacant lot just back of the boys
home.
Mother knew the boys meant nothing
wrong, SO she thought to herself, They
are going to have grand play, and per-
haps may join in it."
What mothers join in their boys play?
Certainly. The best and wisest mothers
know how to do that. Alb, boys, you
have no idea how much thought and care
and self-denial and prayer your mothers
use for you'll Only God knows all about
it.
After school they we're at the fort again.
" Isn't she fine? Well have her ready
for the fight by tomorrow afternoon"
Smith said, looking at his mother little
doubtfully.
"And where will you put the poor
books?" asked his mother.
sob, we'll make fort of them, too;
and stand them mp to be shot at"
1t was Friday night, and while the boys
we're talking merrily after teB, mother
asked, as there any boy in your class,
Smith, who loves to study, and enjoys
his lessons?"
Yes, mother, there's Joe Brand. He
never misses word, and he's always ask
ing Mr.. Printer about something which
the lessons put him in mind Of. It's
awfully dry, sometimes. But Joe's a
frst-rate fellow for all that"
Will you run up to Joe's with a note
for me?" mother asked next, after she
had sat at her desk few noments.
For you, mother? Why, yes" re-
piled Smith in great surprise. And he
put on his coat and cap in hurry.
Wait for an answer, my son."
Yes, mother"
Smith watched his schoolmates face as
ne read the note.
Joe seemed greatly pleased, and said,
Wait minute, Smith," as he sat down
to write. 1t did not take him long, for
Joe was fond OF writing, and had prac-
tised it a good deal.
Thank you, Smith, for bringing the
note" Joe said, as he handed the answer.
"That's all right" replied the puzzled
boy.
He did not ask any questions, but he
did wonder what surprise mother was
getting up.
The next day, as the boys were gather
ing for their sport, Joe Brand appeared
with three or four other sehoolboys.